The Lunaz bin lorry, which has been “upcycled” after previously reaching the end of its service life, is the new replacement for the previous diesel model.
Lunaz will supply local authorities with a fully refreshed bin lorry that uses the chassis, cab and body from a previous vehicle.
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The Silverstone-based company is expected to deliver its first electric bin lorry to Buckinghamshire Council this year.
Despite racking up an average of 70,000-90,000 miles across seven years, the Lunaz lorry will retain 80 per cent of the donor vehicle.
And with it coming in a completely refurbished state, its electric gubbins will be the only major upgrade.
As a result, 80 per cent of the lorry’s embedded carbon is saved.
Lunaz says that its bin lorry is just the start, with plans for more than 1,100 vehicles to be produced at its new 250,000sq ft building.
However, the company remains tight-lipped over any further details.
Nonetheless, the new EV bin lorry will start with one of the best-regarded commercial platforms in the business: the Mercedes Econic Euro 6.
With a 7.7-litre inline six-cylinder diesel engine and six-speed automatic gearbox, the unit will operate at optimum levels.
That’s in part down to its low-speed, along with an EV’s lack of noise and pollution in the generally built-up, highly populated areas in which this lorry will be driven.
This brad new electric powertrain is preparing to transform efficiency levels.
Stripping the donor lorry and refurbishing its existing chassis will take around two weeks, according to Autocar.
The old diesel unit will be “decommissioned like a gun” to prevent future use, before the lorry is then ready to accept its electric powertrain.
Depending on application, this includes four to six 65.5kWh batteries mounted between its front and rear axles, each of which is designed and manufactured on site using cells bought in from a UK supplier.
This allows a bespoke and more space-efficient installation.
Thanks to the Department for Transport allowing its gross vehicle weight to increase by up to two tonnes, the lorry will not be affected by its new 570kg battery.
The electric motor, which produces 470bhp and 5162lb ft, will be mounted under the cab.
It not only generates its blinding acceleration figure, but it also allows the Lunaz bin lorry to outperform an unladen ICE Econic from standstill on a 25% slope, despite being fully laden.
With six batteries, it has a range of 155-160 miles, and recharging overnight via its modest 22kW on-board AC charger will provide all the range necessary for a full day’s service.
Inside the vehicle, the cupholder count has grown to five and the four reupholstered seats have been reconfigured to allow more space for those sitting on the two central/elevated positions.
Those seats are also heated, while workers can even enjoy Apple CarPlay.
Crucvially, a digital screen, displaying a speedo, provides readouts for battery range and efficiency, as well as vital air pressure stats.
Across the central dash are two 10.0in screens – one for infotainment and the other for relaying views from the plethora of cameras around the lorry.
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